A new wave of toll road text scams is on the rise, targeting thousands of drivers with fraudulent messages. These scams claim to be from toll authorities and demand payment for supposed unpaid tolls. However, authorities warn that most of these messages are fake and are designed to steal personal information.
A Surge in Toll Scam Messages
According to cybersecurity firm Trend Micro, online searches for “toll road scams” have surged by 900%, signaling a sharp rise in fraudulent activity. Victims receive text messages falsely claiming they owe toll fees, with links directing them to fake payment sites. These scams are so widespread that even journalists covering the issue have reported receiving them.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have issued warnings. In the past month alone, the FBI received over 2,000 complaints from victims who either lost money or had their identities compromised.
How the Scam Works
The scam follows a simple but effective pattern:
- A text message warns the recipient about an unpaid toll fee.
- The message provides a link to a fraudulent website, disguised as an official toll payment portal.
- The site asks for credit card details and personal information, which scammers use to commit fraud.
These messages often reference legitimate toll systems like EZ-Pass, SunPass, or Texas Tag, making them seem more convincing. The fee requested is typically small, around a few dollars, to lure victims into paying quickly without questioning its legitimacy.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
The scam thrives because of how easy and cheap it is to execute. Reports indicate that criminals operate at least 60,000 fake domain names, costing them around $90,000 to maintain. With bulk-purchased phone numbers, they can send millions of scam texts daily, increasing their chances of success.
Apple’s Efforts to Block the Scam
Apple has attempted to combat fraudulent texts by removing suspicious links from messages. However, scammers have found ways to bypass this safeguard. Some fraudulent texts now instruct users to reply before they can access the link, tricking Apple’s filters.
How to Protect Yourself
Authorities advise the following steps to avoid falling victim:
- Do not click on suspicious links in text messages.
- Verify unpaid tolls directly through official state websites.
- Block and report scam numbers on your phone.
- Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Final Thoughts
With toll road text scams becoming more common, staying vigilant is essential. Authorities and tech companies continue working to stop scammers, but users must also take steps to protect themselves. If you receive a toll fee text, verify it before taking any action to avoid falling victim to fraud.
